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Why I don’t like meditation -- Meditation Q & A By Rupa

Q: Why don’t I like meditation? When I do meditation, I can not be calm and peaceful. I see my mind like a monkey, jumping around from one thing to another. All in my mind is just the stuff I want to get rid of. Is meditation supposed to let me calm down and relax? Why can’t I sit quietly? Why do I feel tired instead?A: There are 2 points to consider:

It’s common that at the beginning we feel this way. Meditation is not relaxation. Meditation is training and exercising for the mind. Just like any type of exercise. When we start a new form of exercise, our muscles can be sore, we sweat and breathe hard. Even if we set a goal of 100 push-ups, we might want to stop at the number of 50. But we will keep doing it until 100 because we know if we want to get the results we desire, we have to work on it. If we want to have a strong and sharp mind, know how to keep calm and have a stress-free life, we have to put effort into it—do meditation. We will see the rewards very soon. The secret is to find an experienced meditation teacher who can show us the way.

When we see our mind jumping around, that’s actually a good sign for meditation. This means we begin to be aware of what’s going on in the mind rather than neglecting it. When this awareness begins, then it’s possible to do the next step. Through the exercise of meditation, we learn how to guide our senses instead of letting them be in charge and gradually we are able to concentrate on the goal we choose even in a critical situation. Again, practice is essential. It is suggested to practice meditation at least once a week, gradually increasing to 2-3 times a week. Even just 5 minutes a day is good. For example, for oral health and to prevent tooth decay, we brush our teeth; for a healthy mind, we do meditation.

Q: Do I have to do meditation in the class? Can I do it myself at home?A: Yes, we can do meditation by ourselves, any place, any time. Of course, in a group setting, we can share and listen to different experiences from meditation, and the teacher will give helpful suggestions on how to go further on the journey, what obstacles we might face, and how to deal with them. Like, when traveling to an unknown place, it’s always good to have a tour guide.Q: What are the benefits of meditation?A: There are many benefits of meditation:1. Meditation improves general health—of heart and lungs; also decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.2. Meditation helps build self-confidence; also reduces anxiety, depression, obesity, and insomnia.3. Regular meditation enhances the immune system. This can help in post-operative healing, and managing chronic diseases such as allergies and arthritis.4. Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome. Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.5. By improving concentration, meditation can lead us to have better performance in sports, at work and at school.6. Wake up our consciousness. Balance the physical body and subtle energy body, so we keep healthy overall--including body, mind and spirit.